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The Plunge

Oakdale Park's swimming pool, known as "The Plunge" was built in 1925, making it one of the oldest swimming pools in Texas. It was dug by horse and mule teams. The Plunge holds 330,000 gallons of water, making it one of the larger swimming pools in Texas.

Originally, the pool's water came from a well having the high mineral content prevalent at the time. Swimmers said the water smelled so bad you could hardly stand it when you went in, but after a while, you adapted to it. Now the water comes from the City of Glen Rose water system and is relatively odor free.

In the early days, many people didn't have access to a swimming pool and didn't own swimsuits. At Oakdale Park, you could rent a swimsuit for a quarter and gain admission to the pool for a nickel.

The Plunge differs from many campground pools in that it is a public pool. Per state law, it can only be open when sufficient lifeguards are present. Most of The Plunge's lifeguards are students at Glen Rose ISD, so the pool's schedule tracks the GRISD schedule. The regular swimming season kicks off with Splash Day, on the last day of the GRISD school year. The school year usually ends early on the last day, and as soon as the lifeguards arrive (around 1:00 p.m.), Splash Day begins. It continues until 7:00 p.m. On that day, admission is free. The swimming season continues until a few days before the new school year begins sometime in mid to late August. The pool is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. With advance notice and provided a sufficient number of lifeguards can be lined up, the facility is available for rent for after-hours parties.

If sufficient lifeguards can be secured, the pool is also open on the Saturday of Mother's Day Weekend (from 1 to 6, while the Lone Star State Dulcimer Festival is in progress), on Saturdays and Sundays in August after school begins (regular hours), on the Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend (from 11 to 7), on the Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day Weekend (from 11 to 7), and on the 3rd Saturday of September (from 1 to 6, following the 4H Jackpot Show).

In 2018, Plunge Day falls on May 31st and the regular season ends on August 12th.

In the event lightning is detected nearby, substandard water conditions are discovered, or a shortage of certified lifeguards develops, guests will be directed to leave the water. If the situation can't be readily rectified, the pool may be closed for the remainder of the day.

Size and Amenities

The pool is 72' wide and 148' long and consists of three areas. For the little ones, at one end is a 24' radius, half circle wading pool with a mushroom fountain. It is about 1' deep. At the other end is a similar sized diving pool about 10 1/2' deep. In between is the main body of the pool which is 72' X 100' and ranges from 3' (on the wading pool end) to 4 1/2' deep (on the diving pool end). Naturally, there is a diving board for the diving pool. And, in the main body of the pool is a water slide and a chairlift.

Adjacent to the pool is a concession stand from which drinks, snacks, and hot meals are served. Surrounding the pool are lawn chairs, as well as some picnic tables. Courtesy of the trees growing around the pool, some shade is available. Due to the arrangements that have been made with the concession stand operator, no outside food or beverages are allowed in the pool, other than water or cakes for birthday parties.

Also adjacent to the pool is the campground store which carries sunscreen, goggles, swimming diapers, and an assortment of other swimming related merchandise.

During the 2018 swimming season, Radiant Swim School is offering water safety swim lessons. Call (817) 243-7946 or click here to learn more.

Rules

All customers must pay or present a pass before entering the pool.

Patrons may bring the following into the pool area.

Float noodles, arm floats, baby floats, or small kickboards;

Water shoes, but no water fins;

Goggles; and,

Swim vests or life jackets.

Parents/Guardians must supervise children under 48" tall.

Proper swim attire is required to enter the water. No denim shorts or jeans.

Swim Diapers are required for children who wear diapers

The rider must be at least 48" tall to ride the slide. For the safety of our patrons and continued operation of our equipment we will enforce slide rules recommended by the manufacturer and as posted on the slide

The Plunge at Oakdale Park doesn't issue refunds but will give out a free pass if the pool closes for the day due to weather conditions.

Help the staff provide a safe and fun atmosphere for all our patrons

Leave tobacco products and lighters outside the pool area.

No smoking in the pool area.

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No ice chests allowed in the pool area.

No outside food or drinks allowed in the pool area.

Abusive and profane behavior/language will not be tolerated.

No running, fighting, or rough play of any kind.

Glass or metal containers, weapons, alcohol, and illegal controlled substances are not allowed in pool area.

No animals of any kind are allowed, except service dogs.

Please do not talk or distract lifeguards unless it is an emergency.

Follow the lifeguards' instructions for diving board use. Only one person on the board at any time. Only one bounce, no gainers, or other dives that push you back toward the diving board.

Swim test may be conducted by lifeguards at any time.

Floats are not allowed in the deep pool area.

Patrons must obey all park and pool rules. Patrons are expected to follow the direction of lifeguards and other Oakdale staff at all times.

Oakdale Park is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

No refunds. A free pass may be provided if pool closes for the day due to weather conditions.